CME Group to Launch Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar Futures Contracts on February 9, 2026

• What’s New in CME’s Crypto Derivatives Lineup?
• Why Is CME Expanding Its Crypto Offerings Now?
• How Do These Launches Compare to Past CME Crypto Products?
• What’s the Significance of the 100-Ounce Silver Futures Contract?
• How Did CME Perform in Crypto Derivatives Last Year?
• What Does This Mean for Traders and the Crypto Market?
• FAQs: CME’s 2026 Crypto and Silver Futures

The CME Group, a global derivatives exchange leader, is expanding its crypto offerings with futures contracts for Cardano (ADA), chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM) launching on February 9, 2026. These CFTC-regulated products include standard and micro-sized contracts, catering to both institutional and retail traders. The move follows a record-breaking year for crypto derivatives, with CME’s daily trading volume surging 139% year-over-year. Additionally, CME will introduce a 100-ounce silver futures contract, capitalizing on growing investor interest in metals. This article dives into the details, market implications, and why these launches matter.

What’s New in CME’s Crypto Derivatives Lineup?

The CME Group is doubling down on crypto with three new futures contracts: Cardano (ADA), Chainlink (LINK), and Stellar (XLM). Each will have two variants—standard and micro—to accommodate different risk appetites. For ADA, the standard contract covers 100,000 tokens, while the micro version handles 10,000. LINK’s contracts are set at 5,000 (standard) and 250 tokens (micro), and XLM’s at 250,000 (standard) and 12,500 (micro). These cash-settled products will trade on CME’s regulated platform, joining existing Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Solana derivatives. According to TradingView data, CME’s crypto derivatives volume hit $86 trillion in 2025, with Bitcoin futures alone averaging $11.7 billion daily.

Why Is CME Expanding Its Crypto Offerings Now?

Giovanni Vicioso, CME’s Global Head of Crypto Products, attributes the expansion to “record crypto growth and client demand for reliable, regulated tools.” In 2025, CME’s daily crypto derivatives volume spiked to 278,300 contracts (worth ~$12 billion), while open interest peaked at 313,900 contracts ($26.4 billion). Notably, institutions are flocking to regulated platforms like CME and BTCC for hedging, pushing CME ahead of Binance in Bitcoin futures open interest for months. “It’s about choice and capital efficiency,” Vicioso added. The timing aligns with cardano and Chainlink’s recent ecosystem upgrades, while Stellar’s cross-border payment focus resonates with macro trends.

How Do These Launches Compare to Past CME Crypto Products?

CME’s crypto journey began with Bitcoin futures in December 2017, followed by ethereum in February 2021. The 2025 additions of XRP and Solana futures—plus options—set the stage for this year’s trio. Historically, CME’s launches correlate with market maturation; Bitcoin futures preceded the 2020–2021 bull run, and Ethereum’s debut coincided with DeFi’s rise. This pattern suggests CME views ADA, LINK, and XLM as sufficiently liquid and institutional-grade. CoinGlass reports show ADA and LINK consistently rank among the top 15 cryptos by derivatives volume, with XLM gaining traction in emerging markets.

What’s the Significance of the 100-Ounce Silver Futures Contract?

Beyond crypto, CME is targeting metals traders with a 100-ounce silver futures contract, also launching on February 9. Settled against COMEX’s benchmark price, it’s designed for retail investors seeking “diversification amid geopolitical and energy transition uncertainty,” says Jin Hennig, CME’s Global Head of Metals. In 2025, CME’s gold and silver futures hit record volumes (301,000 and 48,000 contracts daily, respectively), driven by inflation hedging demand. The new contract complements CME’s 1-ounce gold futures, which saw 6 million trades last year. Think of it as a smaller, more accessible sibling to the standard 5,000-ounce silver contract.

How Did CME Perform in Crypto Derivatives Last Year?

2025 was a banner year: daily crypto derivatives volume averaged 278,300 contracts ($12B notional), up 139% YoY. Futures dominated (272,200 contracts, $11.7B), while options hit records too (4,100 contracts, $231M). Open interest averaged 313,900 contracts ($26.4B), with futures at 253,600 ($21.4B). These figures, per CME’s reports, underscore institutional adoption—especially in Bitcoin, where CME’s futures open interest often surpassed Binance’s. Notably, the rally wasn’t just speculative; Coinmarketcap data shows BTC-ETH correlation hit 0.89 in 2025, signaling maturing market dynamics.

What Does This Mean for Traders and the Crypto Market?

For traders, more products mean more strategies. Micro contracts let retail participants hedge small positions, while standard ones offer institutions deeper liquidity. Analyst teams at BTCC note that CME’s stamp of approval could boost ADA, LINK, and XLM’s credibility, though price impacts may be muted short-term (remember Solana’s 2025 futures launch?). For the market, it’s another step toward mainstreaming—CME wouldn’t risk its reputation on “meme-tier” assets. That said, this article does not constitute investment advice. Always DYOR.

FAQs: CME’s 2026 Crypto and Silver Futures

When do CME’s Cardano, Chainlink, and Stellar futures launch?

February 9, 2026. Mark your calendars!

What’s the contract size for ADA futures?

Standard: 100,000 ADA; Micro: 10,000 ADA.

Why is CME adding silver futures now?

Retail demand for metals is surging—blame inflation fears and shiny-object syndrome.

How does CME’s crypto volume compare to Binance?

CME leads in bitcoin futures open interest; Binance dominates spot. Different games.